Central City Sub Regional Strategy

Draft Report

March 2006

Reference: P:\PDR\WP04000\Current Jobs\South Ribble\South Ribble\Reports\Draft

Final Report\13-09-05-ij(strategy draft v1.2).doc

Contact: Iain Jenkinson Tel: 0161 956 4016 Email: [email protected] www.gvagrimley.co.uk +44 (0) 870 900 89 90 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Contents

1 Introduction 2

2 Characteristics of the Core Area 7

3 The Spatial Strategy 15

4 Sustainable Communities 27

5 Effective Delivery 33

April 2006 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

1 Introduction Spatial Strategy, Regional Economic Housing Strategy, Local Development Strategy, the Northern Way Growth Frameworks and Local Economic 1.1 The Central Lancashire City Sub Strategies. Regional Strategy (hereafter, the Sub- Regional Strategy, or Strategy) has 1.4 The Strategy is also being prepared in been commissioned by a Partner response to the First Detailed Group comprising Preston City Proposals for a Central Lancashire Council, South Ribble Borough Council Sub-regional Strategy prepared by the and Borough Council. Joint-Lancashire Structure Plan authorities of Lancashire County 1.2 The Strategy covers the geographical Council, -with-Darwen area of Preston, east Fylde, South Borough Council and Ribble and Chorley (see figure 1), but Borough Council. It is the view of the it also takes account of impacts across Core area authorities that the First a wider area of influence (including Detailed Proposals do not adequately Blackpool and East Lancashire). The address the key issues facing the sub- intention is that the benefits of this region or the potential for economic Strategy City Region Development strategy can be shared across the growth that clearly exists that would Programme (NWGS CRDP), Regional whole of the Central Lancashire City have a positive impact across the Region. whole of Lancashire. Figure 1: The Central Lancashire City Sub Regional Strategy 1.3 The Strategy represents a medium to Purpose of the Strategy long term spatial strategy for the Core 1.5 The Strategy was commissioned to area, which will inform strategic policy further understand the dynamics of the development at the regional and local Core area. Accordingly, the objectives level. This includes, the Regional

April 2006 2 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

of the Strategy have been established IN THE CORE AREA SHOULD 1.7 The purpose of the Strategy is to as: BE REALISED FOR THE inform the development of more BENEFIT OF THE WIDER detailed local policy across South • UNDERSTANDING THE CENTRAL LANCASHIRE CITY Ribble, Preston and Chorley (figure 2). ECONOMIC DRIVERS THAT REGION WILL INFLUENCE THE FUTURE 1.8 Preston Vision was established by the DEVELOPMENT OF THE CORE • GENERATING AND Northwest Development Agency and AREA APPRAISING THE OPTIONS this provides a joint economic vision FOR THE SUSTAINABLE for the future of investment and • UNDERSTANDING THE SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF development in the Core area. A DYNAMICS OF THE HOUSING THE SUB REGION IN THE number of priority projects have been MARKET WITHIN THE CORE FUTURE defined of sub-regional significance AREA that will raise the economic output of 1.6 The approach adopted reflects the the Core area as a whole. • RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE sub-regional nature of this Strategy. It CORE AREA WITHIN THE CITY is important to recognise that this is 1.9 The Core Strategy provides the spatial REGION WHICH SHOULD BE not a study of the local authorities in framework that will ensure that ADDRESSED IN SUB- isolation, but more a focus of the inter- opportunities defined in the Preston REGIONAL POLICY relationships and dynamics that define Vision strategy are delivered alongside the whole of the sub-region. The level the principles of sustainable • EXPLORING STAKEHOLDERS’ of detail arising from the Strategy will development. (BOTH INTERNAL AND be addressed at the local level through EXTERNAL) ASPIRATIONS FOR the Local Development Frameworks 1.10 The purpose of the Strategy is to also THE CORE AREA and Local Economic Strategies of the inform the development of regional three authorities. spatial, planning and housing policy. • UNDERSTANDING THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED

April 2006 3 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Figure 2: Strategic Policy Diagram • an in-depth analysis of the nature of the sub-regional housing market, in terms of population and migration flows and the changing nature of housing demand and supply;

• an understanding of how the sub- region functions in terms of travel to work patterns and an assessment of the potential for increasing transport accessibility throughout the sub-region;

• the generation of a series of scenarios for economic growth and their analysis in terms of the Strategy Approach of the study, in order to understand current housing land supply; and stakeholders views of and 1.11 The Study has progressed over a aspirations for the sub-region; • employment land supply, and the eleven-month period between May spatial implications arising from 2005 and April 2006. Within this, a • an analysis of the key economic these scenarios. number of broad stages have been drivers of the sub-region through undertaken: an examination of key trends and • undertaking of a sustainability an insight into future economic appraisal of the Sub-Regional • an extensive consultation considerations strategy. programme (figure 3) at the outset

April 2006 4 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

April 2006 5 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Figure 3: Stakeholder Consultation Lancashire City Sub-Regional strategy 1.14 ODPM takes the view that the and the preferred option identified in Regional Spatial Strategy has one North West Regional Northwest the strategy, the ’extrapolated past sustainability appraisal and that Sub- Assembly Development Agency trend’ have undergone a sustainability Regional studies should feed into this. appraisal. The advice that comes from Office for Government Office for English Nature the Deputy Prime Minister the North West 1.13 In accordance with European Directive recommends that some SA work be 2001/42/EC, a Strategic Environment undertaken to support the work. Based Environment Agency Countryside Agency Assessment (SEA) is required to on this guidance and on the basis that assess the effect of plans which English Heritage Highways Agency the Sub-Regional Strategy will inform ‘determine the use of small areas at a the Regional Spatial Strategy, which is Lancashire Economic University of Central local level’. In interpreting the subject to the SEA Directive a Partnership Lancashire Directive, GVA Grimley, see the sustainability appraisal was Central Lancashire City Region Sub undertaken of the Sub-Regional Elevate CPRE Regional Strategy has a large area strategy. with no specific proposals. In support Lancashire County Blackpool Borough of the interpretation that GVA Grimley 1.15 This document must be read alongside Council Council have taken, Section 39 (2) of the the evidence base contained within the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act Audit and Analysis Report and the United Utilities BAe 2004 specifies that sustainability Sustainability Appraisal report. appraisals are mandatory for RSS or Development Plan Documents, however it does state that Sub- 1.12 The scenarios for growth have been Regional strategies are not subject to defined in the Strategy. The objectives the SEA Directive. and sustainability development principles set out in the draft Central

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2 Characteristics of the Settlement Geography The strong communications linkage is Core Area reinforced by the proximity to 2.3 The Core area lies at the heart of Liverpool, and Manchester 2.1 The core area at the heart of the Lancashire geographically and International airport. It is this level of county has a rich historical legacy contains the major conurbation of connectivity by road and rail systems, which it shares with the rest of Preston and urban areas of Chorley, which offers significant potential for Lancashire. More recently, however, it Leyland and . further investment and development in has benefited from the development Blackburn-with-Darwen borders the the area. associated with the Central Lancashire core study area to the east and the New Town which left a legacy which Fylde coast to the west. On a larger 2.5 The population of the Core area is has been able to help shape what is a spatial scale, the two conurbations of some 339,600, which is an increase of truly economically dynamic area. Merseyside and Greater Manchester almost 8% since 1981. Preston has Investment in the New Town over a lie to the south and south-east the greatest population of the three sustained period of time has provided respectively. The Forest of Bowland, local authorities at 130,200 (2005). the conditions that has facilitated a an area of outstanding natural beauty The county of Lancashire has a period of economic growth that the lies just north east of Preston, whilst population of 1,293,000 (2005), which Core area is displaying today. the Lake District national park is to the represents a net population increase of north. almost 4% since 1981 (compared to a 2.2 Furthermore, the Core area has net loss for the North West region as a performed an important social function 2.4 The Core area is served by highly whole of –3%). in providing housing for those most in accessible transport infrastructure, need (many from blighted inner-city with Preston acting as the hub for the 2.6 Preston is the dominant centre within areas), providing lasting employment county of Lancashire, where the the Core area, situated on the river within a high quality environment. M6/M61/M55 and M65 motorways Ribble. The Ribble acts as the converge. Preston is served by the administrative boundary between West Coast Mainline connecting the Preston and South Ribble Councils, Core area with and Glasgow. yet this is an ‘artificial’ boundary, as

April 2006 7 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

the built urban area from Preston City institution in the country. In terms of tech engineering, software, digital Centre through Penwortham and courses and research programmes, design, testing and automation. Bamber Bridge (both in South Ribble) the University is increasingly aligning is largely contiguous. its knowledge base towards some of 2.10 Given its proximity to the major those sectors that have made the Core employment centres of Manchester, 2.7 Today, Preston is emerging as a new area prosper in recent years. It Liverpool and Preston and the relative economic force. It has overcome and employs over 3,000 people and, in accessibility, the large rural areas of survived the decline in manufacturing some ways, demonstrates the way that Chorley have provided an attractive employment that has affected other the knowledge economy operates in residential location for high-income parts of Lancashire and the North that its highly skilled employees earners. This brings valuable income West. Preston displays a critical mass commute to the University from East spend on retail and services to the of employment in those higher-value Lancashire, the Fylde, Greater borough even though almost 50% of sectors that are or have been growing Manchester and Merseyside, the resident population travel outside nationally, specifically computing, spreading their spending across the of the borough to access job business services, retailing and county and region. opportunities. This is an unsustainable finance. This has not been the case in position. Affordability also remains a other areas of Lancashire, or the North 2.9 The town of Chorley is located to the key issue, particularly in rural areas. West, which have not been able to south east of Preston towards the offset the decline in manufacturing to southern extent of the core area 2.11 The major settlements of South Ribble anywhere near the same extent. boundary. Chorley is dominated by the include Bamber Bridge and Leyland service sector alongside which are around four miles to the 2.8 The presence of the University of manufacturing and retail industries. south of Preston City Centre, and Central Lancashire in Preston offers a Some of the sub-region’s most high- which form one contiguous settlement. significant driver for economic growth skilled and high value companies can Over 14,750 commuters travel to work in the Core area. In terms of student be found in key sectors such as high- from South Ribble to Preston daily. numbers, theist 35,000 students make it the fifth largest Higher Education

April 2006 8 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

2.12 South Ribble's economic strength has 2.14 This functionality is also strongly economies, the gap between the Core traditionally been based on the light supported in terms of migration flows. Area and East Lancashire is set to engineering and motor vehicle There is a stronger relationship increase where the Core Area posts industries, including the world between Preston and (particularly) an economic growth rate in line with renowned ‘Leyland Motors’ and South Ribble and Chorley than with the national profile, East Lancashire Leyland Trucks. Manufacturing, and either the West Lancashire or East falls some way behind. particularly advanced manufacturing, Lancashire sub-areas. remains an important sector within 2.17 This is not to say that the ‘two’ South Ribble, with major employers 2.15 This is important in terms of policy economies of the Core area and East including British Aerospace at development as Lancashire in housing Lancashire operate in isolation from Salmesbury. market terms should not be considered each other. Indeed, there is actually a as a coherent whole, but as a typology strong correlation at the sector level A Highly Contained and of three specific sub-markets of which between both economies, particularly Functional Core Area the interaction between them is with regard to advanced negligible. manufacturing. This could be 2.13 Preston is at the heart of the Core area interpreted as an indication of intra- and wider Central Lancashire City- Economic Profile sub-regional supply chain linkages. Region, where 560,000 journey to 2.16 The existence of a Core Area focussed work trips that began and ended within 2.18 However, it is apparent that there is a on Preston, is further supported when Lancashire, approximately 75,000 trips significantly marked difference in the considering the economic profile of the (13%) were destined for Preston. This performance of both economies and a sub-areas within Lancashire. Both the is a clear indicator of Preston’s difference in their prospects going core area and East Lancashire are economic primacy. By comparison, forward, particularly in employment broadly similar in size in terms of Blackburn attracted 10% of all trips terms. The evidence clearly highlights productivity (GVA currently around (56,028) and Blackpool 10.5% that: the Core area demonstrates a £6.5bn). However, due to structural (59,900) and Burnley 6.5%(37,432). significant ‘competitive advantage’ differences between the respective across the high growth sub-sectors;

April 2006 9 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

whilst East Lancashire displays an opportunities will be to the detriment of huge potential as a retail centre. It is economy which in the majority cases the whole of Lancashire. clearly the major retail centre for falls behind the regional benchmark. Lancashire and the Tithebarn 2.21 The considerable economic growth development, which has received 2.19 Put simply, the Core area is expected potential of the Core area is perhaps support from NWDA and Lancashire to be exploiting its industrial mix and viewed in terms of its relationship with County Council, will re-emphasise this competitive advantage whereas East the Manchester and Merseyside City by bringing further major investment to Lancashire is lagging behind. Regions. Although it is much smaller in the centre of Preston. Already, it has population terms, the growth profile of the greatest total catchment spend, at 2.20 Given this, the Strategy recommends the Core area in terms of employment over £406million. Blackpool generates an appropriate policy response for the and productivity is demonstrably more £358million, Blackburn generates Core area that enables it to capitalise growth oriented. It has been £316million and Burnley generates upon its true economic growth outperforming its peer areas and the £306million. Chorley, as a second tier potential in a sustainable way, which national average by approximately retail destination, generates over given the projected employment twice the rate of growth between 1990 £122million. trends, will be to the benefit of the rest and 2004. In terms of forecast of Lancashire. This is not to suggest employment growth to 2015, both the 2.23 The degree of interaction between the that investment in East Lancashire will Core area and the Manchester City retail centres, or the extent to which not be needed, but it is clear that if Region will post above regional the centres within Lancashire compete Lancashire and indeed the rest of the average growth but this is not the for retail spend, is actually very limited, North West is going to achieve its full same for the Merseyside City Region. reflecting the lack of interaction evident potential then it must exploit the in travel to work and migration economic opportunities evident in the A Structured Retail Approach patterns. Core area and facilitate the spread of 2.22 Inevitably, given the growth the consequent benefits to the whole 2.24 That Lancashire possesses a characteristics and high value added of Lancashire. To fail to exploit these dominant centre such as Preston is a nature of the economy, Preston has positive attribute for the wider sub-

April 2006 10 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

region. Given the planned level of The Case for Regeneration development in Preston, it will begin to 2.26 Despite the successes of the Core provide a viable alternative to area in terms of the overall level of shopping destinations such as economic growth, there are clearly Manchester or the Trafford Centre. areas of deprivation evident within the Commercial reality is such that sub region. This is particularly the case Blackpool, Blackburn and Burnley will in East Preston, but pockets of not compete at this level of higher deprivation can also be found within order centres, but continued Chorley and Leyland. investment in their town centre retail

offer will be very important to their 2.27 The causes of deprivation are future economic and social viability. multifarious but the root causes of which need to be tackled if the Core 2.25 Chorley performs well and fulfils its area is to achieve higher levels of role within the hierarchy as an economic growth. The Strategy important market town within therefore is also concerned with Lancashire. The Lancashire Shopping creating sustainable communities and Study found that on a quantitative ensuring that the opportunities created basis, Chorley was the second best are to the benefit of those in need. performing centre of the ‘Tier 2’ towns,

exhibiting high turnover levels and high 2.28 Through appropriate investment in average sales density. The town’s education and skills, enterprise and catchment is very localised, with the accessibility, exploiting the growth vast majority drawn from within potential of the Core area should be to Chorley Borough and South Ribble the benefit of those deprived Borough. communities throughout Lancashire.

April 2006 11 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Strengths Weaknesses • at the heart of Lancashire – Preston acts as the ‘hub’ for all • existing planning policy context across Lancashire does not communication flows throughout Lancashire (75,000 journey recognise the economic potential of Core area; to work trips into Preston); • current leakage of graduates from UCLAN out of the area, • access to major centres of London, Manchester and (though evidence of later returning to live); Glasgow via rail and serves Manchester / Manchester • current congestion at pinch points in and out of Preston, and Airport by good road links; particularly within the South Ribble area – River Ribble • a highly functional and self-contained area, in which 84% of forms a major barrier to traffic movements; all journey to work movements and over 70% of migration • current high car usage and impacts of new development flows are contained; then many road links will be approaching capacity during • increasing population since 1981 (over 8%) set against a peak periods; population decline in Northwest of 3% since 1981; • public transport usage from within the Core area and into • projected economic growth to 2015 will track the projected Preston is low; long term UK average growth, in excess of the projected • significant areas of deprivation and housing market failure regional and Lancashire rate; within Preston east and pockets of deprivation within both • economic structure aligned with higher value sectors that Chorley and Leyland; are growing nationally (computing, business services and • green belt designation between the urban areas of Preston finance) and advanced engineering, software and digital and South Ribble, south of the River Ribble. design; • major investment at Strategic Regional Sites at Cuerden (South Ribble) and ROF (Chorley) being delivered; • University of Central Lancashire (5th largest University in the country) providing a highly skilled population; • retail catchment spend in Preston of £406million, emphasising its position as the principle retail centre with Lancashire, with further planned investment (£500million) via Grosvenor at Tithebarn; • continued investment in Chorley town centre (Deutsche Bank) • close proximity to environmental assets of national significance.

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Opportunities Threats • at the heart of the Central Lancashire City Region and future • continuation of current planning policies across Lancashire investment planned under the Northern Way; and those applied to Core area will inhibit the economic • Preston recognised alongside Manchester and Liverpool in growth potential of the area; the draft Regional Economic Strategy; • that BAe are unsuccessful in their bid to be preferred • increasing political / administrative alignment and spatial / supplier to US-forces and associated major job losses; transport planning across across Chorley, Preston and • economic growth does not benefit the residents of the Core South Ribble; area, and spiral of deprivation worsens; • recognising Preston and South Ribble as a unified urban • labour supply constraints (skills, deprivation) constrain area, bound together by the River Ribble; further economic growth; • forging closer links with other Lancashire sub-regions – • national down-turn in manufacturing employment impacts Blackpool centred West Lancashire and East Lancashire; upon the Core area (but to much worse effect in East • expansion of Blackpool airport as a driver of economic Lancashire); growth across West Lancashire; • worsening of congestion at pinch-points in and out of • BAe are successful in winning the new investment contract Preston, as economy grows and attracts more in- to be supplier to US air-forces; commuters; • University of Central Lancashire aligning curriculum with • that road links reach full capacity in the next few years local sectors and as economy matures, increased during peak periods, thereby constraining future growth graduates being retained in Preston / Core area; potential; • bringing forward employment site at Preston East to • environmental constraints, particularly from flooding, complement Cuerden and ROF Strategic Regional Sites; constraining development opportunities; • Preston becomes a viable shopping / leisure alternative to • housing market failure in Preston and East Lancashire acts Manchester, Trafford Centre and Liverpool; as a constraint upon economic growth prospects. • retail investment in other Lancashire centres (Blackpool, Blackburn and Burnley) complement the planned investment in Preston and together, help to contain retail spend within Lancashire; • housing investment focussed on providing for higher skilled/ income earners and also introducing City Centre living; • increasing public transport throughout the Core area and into adjoining sub-regions (particularly East Lancashire)

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The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

3 The Spatial Strategy to and supports the urban by investing in new and improved renaissance of these centres; infrastructure to overcome Objectives of the Strategy barriers, particularly public • for the economic growth prospects transport and specifically 3.1 The objectives of the Strategy are: of the Core area to be fully addressing the barrier created by maximised to the benefit of the River Ribble. • for the Core area to maintain its communities across the Central rate of recent economic growth Lancashire City Region; An Opportunity for the Central and develops the skills within its Lancashire City Region latent workforce that will enable • for a commensurate increase in 3.2 The evidence presented in the the continues growth and planned housing provision in the previous section, and indeed expansion; Core area, to provide for sustained presented as part of the Audit and economic growth, providing for the Analysis report, paints a profile of the • for the needs and requirements of needs of higher income earners City Region as an area in which the Core area’s key sectors to be and for City Centre living; met by a supportive and enabling currently there are three separate sub- economic, education and planning • for the retail offer of the Core area regional areas functioning, with very framework, particularly (but not to provide a viable shopping and little interaction between. exclusively) for the needs of the leisure alternative to Liverpool and 3.3 The strategy for the Core area aerospace industry in the Core Manchester and to complement represents the latest in a series of area; the planned retail investment in detailed studies and strategies other centres across Lancashire; prepared for the wider City Region • for all new development to be and located within, or in close proximity including the Transformational Agenda 1 to, the principal urban centres of • to meet existing infrastructure and for East Lancashire and the Blackpool Preston, Leyland and Chorley, and transport needs, thereby reducing 1 that such development contributes Elevate East Lancashire A Transformational Agenda for congestion within the Core area, East Lancashire

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masterplan. The strategies for the • Core Central Lancashire – a sectors as office based employment respective areas point towards a dynamic, economic engine of (professional, computing and business complementary functionality between higher value growth opportunities services), retailing and advanced the three areas, based upon: and employment generating manufacturing, in which the Core area potential. has a competitive advantage. These • Blackpool - an ambitious urban are the projected dynamic growth renaissance that will transform the 3.4 The opportunities presented across sectors for Lancashire and their future resort physically and in spirit, and Lancashire are complementary, not sustainable growth will depend on create a year round entertainment competitive. Economically, the whole more integrated labour market and destination of national and of the Central Lancashire City Region travel patterns emerging across 2 international significance . would perform at a much higher level if Lancashire. these complementary functions were • East Lancashire – a recognised and planned for 3.6 In order for residents throughout transformational regeneration appropriately. Lancashire to access the job agenda focussing on the opportunities created in the Core area integration of education, health, 3.5 However, the Strategy for the Core requires an integrated response on housing, communities and the area is not planning to retain the status behalf of education and skills environment, of diversifying the quo whereby the three sub-areas providers, to ensure that the supply of local economic base and forging remain divorced from each other. By skilled labour meets the demand that links to stronger economies and focussing upon the tangible economic exists. employment opportunities within opportunities for job creation within the the City Region and in other City Core area, the Strategy proposes that Locations for Growth Regions. those who live in East Lancashire and 3.7 In achieving the above stated the Fylde Coast will begin to access objectives, future development will be the job opportunities created in the focussed according to the following: Core. This will particularly be in such

2 Blackpool URC Blackpool Resort Masterplan

April 2006 16 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Chorley the provision of new employment the Core area, including the review sites in accessible locations, of green belt boundaries south of • to grow through strengthening and particularly along the M6 and M61, the River Ribble, through the Local extending its role as a market in order to stem the outflow of Development Framework process; town, including a step-change in employment from the borough; improvements to the retail and • all future investment will be leisure function of the town centre, • to provide a high quality of life for channelled to support the by taking advantage of the its residents, including the transformation of the City Centre catchment population and continued provision of higher value so that it becomes a 21st Century providing a diverse retail and housing, alongside a more city of European significance – as leisure (including niche) offer, to balanced housing offer. a commercial centre, as the complement that of Preston; principal centre for retail, leisure Preston City Centre (including and cultural destination, and as an • improved linkages between the Bamber Bridge) area offering vibrant City Centre town centre and the new • in spatial planning terms, this living; and Buckshaw urban village / Royal becomes one contiguous urban Ordnance Regional Investment area, where the River Ribble forms • investment in the transport Site; a unifying feature, rather than a infrastructure within this area will barrier, with the focus on the urban be a regional priority, as improved • to take advantage of its regeneration of the City Centre; links are forged within the Core connectivity within the North West, area, to adjacent centres within the and the key economic growth • the broad area between Blackpool wider City Region and to other drivers of Liverpool, Manchester Road in Preston to the north and major regional and national and Preston; the A582 in South Ribble will centres. become the principal focus for • to secure future employment investment resources throughout growth within the borough, though

April 2006 17 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Preston East undermine the priority renaissance • Grimsargh, Cottam, of the City Centre. Penwortham, , , • this is defined as the broad area Adlington centred upon the A59 into Preston Leyland and the focus for socio-economic 3.8 The strategy for development within regeneration resources to tackle • the focus of development will be the ‘locations for growth’ outlined the multifarious problems of on consolidation around the town above will be in providing for a range deprivation that exist; and centre, with a particular focus on of high quality, well designed housing the retention of its identity; in sustainable locations. The • housing market renewal and the importance of linking residential strengthening of local centres will • resources will be targeted at development with place of work be the main priority for this area, raising the investment profile of the permeates throughout the spatial with a mix of redevelopment, town centre, through all sectors of strategy. refurbishment and environmental employment, retail and leisure; improvements, implemented with and 3.9 Reinforcing existing urban centres is the aim of creating a more the central theme of the spatial • high quality housing, including a sustainable community strategy. This is where the greatest mix of high value and affordable opportunities for economic growth Preston North housing. occurs, but also where the greatest

• the strategy for the area to the Local Centres need arises. north of Blackpool Road will be • consolidation through sensitive focus on the consolidation of the 3.10 New development will take place on development that meets the needs existing urban fabric and where previously developed land where of communities, will be focussed in future residential development will possible, but given supply constraints the following centres: be delivered in a phased in the Core area, particularly in sequence, which does not Preston, then consideration needs to be given to strategic greenfield release

April 2006 18 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

elsewhere in the Core area. Given the previously developed part of the future trajectories of economic growth. focus on reinforcing existing urban site; Five scenarios were considered: centres, particularly Preston, then a review of the green belt south of the • at Euxton • extrapolated past trend – the River Ribble should be considered comprises a 2,300 dwelling BASELINE scenario based upon through respective Local Development development, approximately 2 recent observed trends; Frameworks. miles from Chorley Town Centre. It forms part of the mixed-use • above trend growth – 0.5% PER 3.11 Underpinning all of this is an integrated development of the Royal ANNUM OVER AND ABOVE THE approach to promoting alternative Ordnance Regional Investment BASELINE, assuming a change in options to the use of the private car, Site and will deliver a range of economic policy, and specifically including improved public transport housing types. labour market policy, such that provision and locating housing and greater levels of the latent jobs within walking and cycling Dwelling Growth population are participating in the distances. The Strategy for Movement workforce; Scenarios for Economic Growth is addressed below. • step-change growth – 1% PER 3.12 In planning for the future provision of ANNUM OVER AND ABOVE THE Exceptions to the above Typology: housing in the Core area, a set of BASELINE, again assuming a • former Whittingham Hospital forms economic and population projections major change in economic policy, an exception to the above spatial was commissioned from Cambridge but to a greater effect; typology, as it has been identified Econometrics (2005). by English Partnerships under 3.13 A number of scenarios have been • economic exposure (direct) – their disposal strategy for former generated to test the implications of MODELLING THE EFFECTS OF NHS hospital sites. Development different assumptions on possible A THEORETICAL COLLAPSE IN is currently on site which will THE AEROSPACE AND deliver 580 dwellings on the MECHANICAL

April 2006 19 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY Figure 4: Dwelling Requirement AND THE LOSS OF DIRECT EMPLOYEES AT BAE through the Chorley Preston South Ribble Core Area loss of investment contracts; Dwellings (2005) 43,556 58,095 45,822 147,473 • economic exposure (indirect) –

modelling the effects of a Scenarios (2021) theoretical collapse in THE Extrapolated Past Trend 4,241 9,343 5,030 18,721 ABOVE SECTORS, BUT WITH Above Trend (0.5%) Growth 7,033 15,543 8,136 30,786 ASSOCIATED EMPLOYMENT Above Trend (1%) Growth 10,982 24,313 12,529 47,882 LOSSES IN SUPPLY CHAIN Economic Exposure (Dir.) 1,883 4,105 2,406 8,490 JOBS. Economic Exposure (Indir.) 744 1,576 1,138 3,559

3.14 The scenarios produced a range of Total Pipeline (2005) 1,905 1,006 1,312 4,223 employment and total population growth, to which total household Net Dwelling Requirement growth and the total dwelling Extrapolated Past Trend 2,336 8,337 3,718 14,498 requirements for each district was Above Trend (0.5%) Growth 5,128 14,537 6,824 26,563 calculated. Total dwelling requirement Above Trend (1%) Growth 9,077 23,307 11,217 43,659 for each scenario is presented in figure Economic Exposure (Dir) -22 3,099 1,094 4,267 4. Economic Exposure (Indir) -1,161 570 -174 -765

Identified Land Supply (ha) 64.5 65.0 70.7 200.2

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3.15 It is important to note that of the five • given the degree of exposure that Strategy under regular monitoring and scenarios presented, it is actually the the Core area (and indeed North review and for the Core authorities to extrapolated baseline scenario that West region) faces in terms of the consider the implications of this higher currently provides the most realistic future of aerospace, then there is level economic growth of increased projection of future growth for the Core an element of exposure to movement, housing land supply and area. This is because: consider. the environmental quality of the area.

• the Core area is already projected 3.16 Therefore, the Core area would be 3.18 It is also important to note that the to grow above the regional expected to accommodate a growth of distribution of household growth (to average and the capacity to almost 18,720 dwellings to 2021, derive dwelling requirement) has been sustain such a rate of increase will which equates to an annual undertaken on the basis of the spatial require substantial supply side requirement of 1,170 units per distribution of workplace based jobs mobilisation, relating to education annum. This represents an increase across the Core area. This allows for and skills, employment site on the current Joint Lancashire the dwelling growth to be apportioned provision and accessibility; Structure Plan requirement of 748 between the respective districts. This units per annum. is because an underlying feature of the • the UK economy is slowing down – Strategy is that the location of jobs and it’s not clear how long this is going 3.17 However, it is important to note, housing will be closely aligned. to continue. Importantly, the through the Strategy, the Core area economic slowdown is authorities should be seeking to Distribution of Growth widespread, not just the address some of the barriers to future 3.19 Although dwelling requirements by manufacturing sector, which does growth and investment. Over time, it is district are provided as a guide to the suggest a potentially long lag entirely feasible that an ‘aspirational apportionment of the future housing before growth resumes at its long target’ of 0.5% above the current requirement in the Core area, this term rate; trajectory could be relevant. This needs to be read in terms of the spatial reinforces the need to keep the strategy adopted and adherence to the

April 2006 21 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Strategy objectives and growth 3.22 Rural development will comprise just scenario delivers a balanced approach locations outlined above. 5% of all new housing growth in the to the economic and social Core area to 2021. development of the Sub-Region whilst 3.20 The majority of development will be minimising the adverse effects on the targeted at the locations for growth as Figure 5: Spatial Distribution environment associated with stated above. Approximately 90% will (allowing for pipeline schemes) development. This allows for a be targeted at the growth locations, strategy with the potential for No. pa with 10% of all future development promoting the beneficial development Chorley 20% 2,900 181 being taken up at the exception sites. of principal urban centres, encouraging 85% of all new development will Preston 50% 7,249 453 economic development and promoting therefore be targeted at the following Preston North 5% 725 45 social inclusion. locations for growth: Leyland 10% 1,450 91 Core Area 85% 12,324 770 3.26 The sustainability appraisal of the • Chorley housing provision set out in the Sub- Regional strategy indicates that there • Preston (including Bamber Bridge) 3.23 Housing growth in the growth locations is the potential to deliver considerable will be monitored against achieving an benefits for the sustainability of the • Preston North overall net level of employment growth Core Area. The rate of new housing of 12,700 jobs by 2021. provision advocated in the strategy will • Leyland assist in providing suitable and 3.24 This is not a target but is to be used for affordable homes for all. 3.21 Any new development at Preston East the purposes of monitoring and review. will not be a net addition to any By its nature, this figure will be kept 3.27 The appraisal of the preferred scenario redevelopment activity that will take under regular review. shows that the proposed distribution of place. new housing will support and 3.25 The sustainability appraisal of the consolidate the settlement hierarchy of preferred option, shows that this the Sub-Regional Centre, principal

April 2006 22 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

centres, market towns and smaller relationship between Preston and National Connectivity settlements. South Ribble and the objective of the 3.34 The most successful places are those Strategy to overcome the physical that are truly outward-looking. As the Strategy for Movement barrier presented by the River Ribble. Core area develops, it will be increasingly necessary to consider 3.28 The Core area has the potential to 3.32 It is recognised that current planned how well connected it is with national capture a considerable amount of new provision of new major highway major growth hubs – London, Glasgow development to 2021, which will infrastructure within existing schemes and Manchester. generate additional demand for travel, would appear limited. However, given of which a significant proportion will be the economic growth opportunity that 3.35 Improvements to the West Coast Main car-based. exists in the Core area and the Line service between Glasgow and potential that this offers in meeting 3.29 Given this, it is important that the London will see a faster access regeneration objectives across future planned growth of the Core area between these centres and Preston. Lancashire, then further investment in is not considered in isolation from the Access to London will be particularly the infrastructure of the Core area will impact upon the traffic and highway important when considering potential be required. infrastructure and therefore a more co- for Lyons Review public sector relocations. ordinated approach is advocated. 3.33 This is notwithstanding the priorities established through the Regional 3.30 Therefore a forecasting tool will be 3.36 The expansion of Blackpool airport Transport Strategy, which the strategy developed that will measure the also offers potential for fast access for the Core area adheres to in cumulative traffic impact of the between the Core area and London. providing effective multi-modal proposals contained within the solutions to transport problems. Strategy. 3.37 Longer term the opportunity exists to develop more formalised links with 3.31 This will be particularly important when growing world economies, particularly considering the ‘cross-boundary’ China, building upon the links already

April 2006 23 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

established by the University of flows. In order for the benefits of 3.42 The most significant constraint that will Central Lancashire. growth in the Core area to be felt in the be overcome will be the barrier of the wider Lancashire sub-region, the River Ribble. The major location for 3.38 It is recommended that future following investment is recommended: growth within the Strategy will be in the proposals for transport infrastructure wider Preston area, which ‘straddles’ investment should be prioritised in • develop Preston station as an the River Ribble. Thus the Ribble favour of their ability to deliver enhanced cross-platform becomes the central binding feature economic growth objectives. Interchange to provide better that contributes to the creation of a services between Preston, new sustainable community supporting Regional Movement Blackpool, Blackburn and Burnley the growth of the City Centre. 3.39 Connecting the Core area with the (existing LTP scheme); and 3.43 Considerable levels of traffic other principal growth centres of the • the creation of a rapid transit Northwest is a key component of the movement already exist between system connecting East South Ribble and Preston, in which the Strategy for the Core area. Key Local Lancashire with Preston and the Transport Proposals to be brought current road links are operating at or Core area. forward includes the electrification of close to full capacity during peak Manchester via Preston to Blackpool periods. Many of the non-strategic Sub Regional Movement rail line, thereby facilitating direct, high road links are not fit for purpose, and quality services into the Regional 3.41 The scale of proposed development in congestion is a particular issue. capital. the Core area and especially in and Therefore any proposal that comes around Preston requires significant forward for the future growth of the 3.40 Connecting the Core area with the rest infrastructure investment if Preston central area, must address the of Lancashire is also a priority of the employment and housing aspirations traffic impacts of cross Ribble flows. Strategy. Preston acts as the ‘hub’ or are to be achieved. 3.44 Preston City Council is currently gateway into the sub-region and is the primary destination for journey-to-work assessing the feasibility of a barrage across the River Ribble, which could

April 2006 24 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

incorporate a new road crossing in 3.46 Strategic Park and Ride will become a The Spatial Strategy conjunction with the Penwortham by- key feature of managing movement pass. Initial pre-feasibility suggests throughout the sub-region. Sites will be 3.49 Figure 6 depicts the Spatial Strategy that this is likely to have a major identified at the local level and for the Central Lancashire City sub- positive effect on transport movement procurement will be delivered in region. in the area, in taking unnecessary tandem with development agreements. traffic that is not destined for the City Centre, out of the City Centre and 3.47 An important next stage of work will be would improve east-west links south of to develop a forecasting tool that will the Ribble. measure the cumulative traffic impact of the proposals contained within the 3.45 In addition to this, complementary Strategy. measures to enhance movement and accessibility will include: 3.48 The sustainability appraisal of the preferred option, highlights that the • the introduction of new express strategy will not significant reduce car and orbital services linking Preston traffic within the Core Area. However City Centre with Leyland and the preferred option does however Chorley; target new employment and housing development in the major urban • marketing strategy to enhance centres, ultimately reducing the need awareness of the public transport for people to travel long distances. network, in order to increase This will it encourage the promotion of patronage; and more sustainable methods of transport. • provision of a central bus interchange facility at Leyland.

April 2006 25 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Figure 6: Central Lancashire City Sub Regional Strategy Spatial Diagram

April 2006 26 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

4 Sustainable existing and future residents, are • (4) Well Designed And Built - Communities sensitive to their environment, and featuring quality built and natural contribute to a high quality of life. They environment; Creating Sustainable are safe and inclusive, well planned, Communities throughout the built and run, and offer equality of • (5) Well Connected - with good Core Area opportunity and good services for all” transport services and communication linking people to 4.1 The Strategy for the Core area (ODPM, April 2005). jobs, schools, health and other envisages a significant amount of 4.3 In building sustainable communities, services; future development, between 18,700 the following provides a checklist to and 30,790 to 2021. The emphasis achieving the aim: • (6) Well Served - with public, however is on delivering sustainable private, community and voluntary development and in this regard • (1) Active, Inclusive And Safe - services that are appropriate to minimising the distance to be travelled Fair, tolerant and cohesive with a people's needs and accessible to by private car between where people strong local culture and other all; and live and work is a strong theme that shared community activities; runs throughout. • (7) Thriving - with a flourishing and • (2) Well Run - with effective and diverse local economy. 4.2 The Strategy for the Core area is firmly inclusive participation, embedded in the Government’s representation and leadership; 4.4 Many of these requirements are dealt Sustainable Communities agenda, with through national policy guidance thus defined as: • (3) Environmentally Sensitive – reflected at the local level through the providing places for people to live respective Community Strategies. “Sustainable communities are that are considerate of the However, it is important that this places where people want to live environment; Strategy is focussed on delivering and work, now and in the future. them. They meet the diverse needs of

April 2006 27 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Active, Inclusive and Safe Effective Leadership Environmentally Sensitive

4.5 The respective Local Strategic 4.8 The Core area is approaching a period 4.11 A distinctive feature of the Core area is Partnerships of the three authorities in its evolution when strong civic the accessibility to environmental have a responsibility through the leadership is required, which will bring resources of the highest quality, Community Strategy to ensure that together the wide and varied interests whether this is the Regional Parks or community identity, tolerance of concerned with the future governance access to the Lake District National different cultures and backgrounds, of the sub region. In order to deliver Park and Forest of Bowland AONB. social cohesion and community safety, the programme of change envisaged, are developed throughout the Core closer working will be required, 4.12 The conservation of natural area. particularly at a political level. biodiversity resources will be important, as will the need to protect 4.6 The need to support community 4.9 Further joint working should be the environmental capacity of the Core cohesion will be a particular priority for promoted through joint Local area through minimising pollution, Preston, which displays the greatest Development Frameworks, joint waste arising and the further ethnic diversity in the Core area. economic and housing strategies and deterioration in air quality caused by joint working will be particularly congestion. 4.7 Opportunities for cultural, leisure, important in considering the future of community, sport and other activities transport planning in the sub-area. 4.13 The environmental quality of the Core for all age groups will be promoted area is a unique asset that gives it an throughout the Core area with the 4.10 More effective communication with advantage over other urban areas of creation of new and improved urban other key stakeholders within the sub Merseyside and Manchester. Ensuring greenspace. Better links between the region will be pursued, building upon that neighbourhoods within the main populations of the urban areas and the the vision for economic growth outlined urban centres of Preston, Leyland and two Regional Parks that flank the Core in the Strategy. Chorley are cleaner, safer and greener area will be made. will be important.

April 2006 28 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

4.14 In terms of the effects of the preferred • mixed use, and flexible buildings in the public realm for cycling and option upon the landscapes of the that contributes to the character of pedestrian uses will be a priority. Core Area, the preferred option is surrounding uses; and unlikely to have significant effects 4.19 The Strategy is also concerned with upon those environmental assets of • focus on the ‘spaces’ between connectivity outside of the Core area the Core Area which have highest buildings through investment in and one important objective will be to quality. high quality public realm, improve the linkages between the Core area and the regeneration need High Quality Built Environment Well Connected through wider Lancashire.

4.15 The Strategy envisages significant 4.17 An integral part of the spatial strategy Well Served physical change for the urban centres is concerned with the movement within of the Core area. and outside of the Core area (see 4.20 The provision of quality public services Strategy for Movement). will be central to the delivery of 4.16 High quality in all new development sustainable communities within the underpins the strategy, from the 4.18 Developing a high quality movement Core area. commercial outputs, to the planned strategy for the Core area is absolutely provision of housing, and through to fundamental to its future growth Education and Skills the design of new greenspaces and ambitions. Such systems need to 4.21 The provision of an enhanced connect homes and workplaces as a parks. The opportunity exists for the education service from primary Core area to promote high quality priority, urban centres, schools and through to lifelong learning is crucial to exemplar schemes such as: other important attractors of engaging the latent workforce within movement. As the Strategy is primarily the Core area. Preston in particular • energy efficiency and ‘green’ concerned with minimising the need to contains significant pockets of principles are embedded in all new travel, by car, between workplaces and deprivation, in which educational build and substantially refurbished homes, the importance of investment attainment is extremely limited. buildings;

April 2006 29 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

4.22 Further and Higher Education have a claimants will take this route as • Manufacturing Fuels; significant role to play in increasing the opposed to more traditional supply of well educated and trained unemployment benefit routes. • Retailing; workforce. The University of Central Developing preventative care as a Lancashire has a specific role here to priority, which links to the importance • Air Transport; champion ‘learning’, particularly in the of an active population, will be a • Communications; context of moving towards a more priority for the Core area. knowledge based higher value service • Professional Services; sector. A Thriving Economy

4.25 The Core area needs to be considered • Computing Services; 4.23 UCLAN will also be investing in as a truly dynamic economic growth Burnley and East Lancashire over the engine and a real economic asset for • Other Business Services; and next 10 years, in enhancing the the region. There is the potential to education and skills of the population • Health and Social create a further 12,700 jobs by 2021, of East Lancashire. This is crucial if under the existing baseline scenario. the opportunities for employment 4.28 A particular feature of the local economy is that the Core area is created in the Core area will be 4.26 It is characterised by a very diverse addressed by those in most need. turning towards the service sector for range of economic sectors, many of its high growth output. This will which are clearly growth oriented, Health and Social Care naturally have a spatial pattern of which is why if exploited fully, the Core distribution in terms of current and 4.24 Associated with areas of deprivation, area will become a major driver for the future locations. The Strategy is the Core area contains significant region. seeking to capture this potential by numbers of population with registered creating a modern 21st Century limiting long-term illnesses. In many of 4.27 There are several dynamic high GVA commercial quarter focussed within these cases, these represent the and high employment growth sectors Preston City Centre, where many of ‘hidden’ labour force, as many to be found within the Core area:

April 2006 30 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

the professional and business services and requirements of these sectors 4.33 Over the longer term however, there is can flourish. must be fully understood. no identified employment land available, which represents an obvious 4.29 Unlocking the potential of Preston City 4.31 In this regard, the future of BAe is of constraint to further development. Centre to deliver these outputs is very national and regional importance. The much dependent upon strategic Strategy has intentionally developed 4.34 The Core area lacks the type of planning policy recognising the two scenarios that examine the product that could meet the primacy of Preston, particularly in theoretical collapse of the aerospace requirements of the key manufacturing terms of housing allocations which sector upon the future of the Core area could be key to cross-subsidising a and in some respects, this is an Figure 7: Employment Land Supply (ha) commercial quarter within the City, that industry that does remain exposed to would provide for some of these high the international climate. As a priority, value sectors. The commercial quarter the authorities of the Core area (> 10 Short- years) 5 years) Medium- Term (5 - 10 years) Immediate Term (next would give the whole of Lancashire a together with the Northwest Long-Term central office offer and focus for future Development Agency need to develop Chorley 3.16 67.74 58.2 0 business, financial and professional a more aggressive partnership with Preston 26.28 41.76 53.11 0 service investment. BAe to fully understand and plan for South Ribble 49.3 9.3 43.5 0 their future investment requirements. Core Area 78.74 118.8 154.81 0 4.30 Manufacturing also remains an important sector within the local Employment Land Provision economy, less so in terms of and communications sectors and also 4.32 In quantitative terms, there is a employment, but particularly in terms those business sectors that would not sufficient supply of land across the of output. Advanced and High Tech ordinarily locate within the City Centre. Core area to meet the expansion Manufacturing in the Core area are needs of existing firms and future particularly important to the future The ROF site and Cuerden are inward investments over the next 10 growth of the Core area and the needs strategic employment sites, which are years (figure 7) capable of being delivered over the

April 2006 31 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

next 10 years, but the Core area Core authorities work with partners in authorities will need to consider other East Lancashire to understand and employment sites as part of a portfolio develop an appropriate strategy of opportunities available to the towards: market. In this regard the following sites become strategically important to • the phasing of employment land the future employment growth of the provision; Core area: • the target markets that sites will be • Preston East; identified for

• Salmesbury (disposal of 50 acre • an understanding that the office site of current BAe holdings); and based commercial development of Preston City Centre, must not be • M6 Charnock Richard compromised by office developments in business park 4.35 Yet the supply of employment land locations that could be needs to be considered in light of the accommodated in the City Centre. supply of employment land provision throughout the wider City region area.

4.36 Major employment sites at Whitebirk in Blackburn could come forward over a longer-term timeframe that could actually help to meet the longer term supply constraint in the Core area. It will be therefore important that the

April 2006 32 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

5 Effective Delivery 5.3 Above all else, the Core area will only jointly agreed approach, based upon achieve its growth potential is an economic reality, to targeting Delivering a Joint Approach appropriate policy framework is investment and the spatial definition of developed from the strategic regional this. 5.1 The Strategy for the Core area is level to the local level. Strategic policy based upon a level of economic must recognise the growth potential of 5.6 With respect to retail, all of the centres growth that has been readily the Core area, and particularly of of Lancashire perform at different achievable in the Core area; a rate Preston. levels and therefore would look to which has been in excess of regional attract different forms of commercial and national averages. If the Core 5.4 Growth in the Core area should not be investment. They are not in area is to continue along this viewed as a dampening down of competition. trajectory, given the anticipated slow growth in other locations throughout down in the national economy, then it Lancashire. It is more the case that 5.7 The delivery mechanism for the Core will be performing well. here is an opportunity in which the Strategy will be led by the Core economic conditions, could facilitate a authorities, but representatives from 5.2 However, this does not preclude a step change in the employment East Lancashire and the Fylde coast higher rate of growth may be prospects and output of the wider will also be involved. Here, the achievable and this is possible if the Central Lancashire City Region. Lancashire Economic Partnership and Core area can overcome some of the the North West Development Agency supply side constraints that exist. 5.5 It is also the case that the structural will perform a useful facilitating role. These include the availability of skills differences between the relative sub- to match growth opportunities, the economies of Lancashire, although 5.8 English Partnerships will also have an availability of quality employment land, aligned, are performing at vastly important role given their national role and the current housing supply different levels. As a result, they are in respect of former New Towns and constraints that exist. not competing for the same investment the land ownership implications. and rather the authorities of Lancashire should be developing a

April 2006 33 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Resources for Implementation will establish the basis for further joint Bamber Bridge. This will consider the working. future of the green belt in this location. 5.9 The combined population of the three areas is sufficient to create the critical Mechanisms for 5.15 A Local Development Document is mass necessary to deliver the scale of Implementation also required for Chorley town centre, change envisaged. It will be important that will provide an overall framework Spatial Planning therefore that the Core authorities for the consideration of detailed continue to work alongside each other 5.12 The Strategy establishes the development briefs for development in developing joint policies and overarching strategic spatial sites and gateways. This will need to proposals and to consider the framework for which change will be demonstrate how the redevelopment combined strengths, weaknesses, delivered in the Core area. The next of the town centre will meet the aims of opportunities and threats that will stage will be for Local Development the Core Strategy. define the future of the Core area. Frameworks to be prepared, having regard to the priorities established 5.16 A Local Development Document for 5.10 In many respects, the Core area is a across the Core area. Preston East will be required, which new and exciting embryonic entity. It will detail a series of options for has not yet achieved the momentum, 5.13 Local Development Documents also housing market renewal and the socio- of say the East Lancashire authorities, need to be prepared as a priority to economic regeneration of local who have been working in partnership provide the statutory basis in order that communities. for a number of years. Yet this is an change can be delivered. exciting opportunity to build upon the 5.17 Development Briefs will be required for momentum and this will require close 5.14 A Joint Local Development Document future strategic employment sites in political integration. between South Ribble and Preston the Core area, including Salmesbury must be prepared for the area of and M6 Charnock Richard. 5.11 In the first instance, following adoption Preston City Centre, between of the Strategy, a Memorandum of Blackpool Road and the A582 in Understanding will be published, which

April 2006 34 The Core Central Lancashire Sub Regional Strategy

Economic and Social of the Core area Strategy. An agreed and consistent approach to the 5.18 Existing economic strategies need to provision of affordable housing must be aligned and Joint Economic follow. Strategies will be developed in the future, that will address common issues such as economic sectors, future employment sites an the future planning of education and skills. This will need to involve a wider stakeholder base, including the local education authority, Learning and Skills Council, local Colleges and UCLAN.

5.19 Given the paucity of information available regarding transport an movement within the Core area, a holistic transportation study will be undertaken as part, which will examine the transportation implications of the Strategy.

5.20 A joint housing needs study has already been prepared for the three authorities. This needs to be re- examined in accordance with the aims

April 2006 35